Lama Gyurme

Lama Gyurme was born in Tibet. At the age of 15 he entered Mindroling monastery for spiritual training and to study sacred painting and traditional arts. Gyurme was then sent to Eastern Tibet for three years of intensive study. He returned to continue with his principal teacher, the master Lama Tsekyab.

At Mindroling Monastery Gyurme was immersed in Tibetan rituals and traditions. As a result of his abilities he was appointed to be an administrator, rules keeper and chant leader. Lama Gyurme was especially involved in the restoration of hundreds of sacred temple paintings. His training in Tibetan Buddhism and its arts is profound.

In 1998 he was invited to teach painting and sculpture at the Shanshung Institute in Italy, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist centers outside of Tibet. During this period Lama Gyurme wrote an important instructional book on the history and techniques of Tibetan Buddhist ritual art.

Lama Gyurme first visited the United States in 2001 to study art restoration. After returning to Tibet he established the Gelmo Lisho Art School, the first school of its kind in Southern Tibet. He returned to the United States to find further support and to establish an American branch of GLAS in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He currently resides in Santa Fe with his wife Yudron and their 7 year old son Trinley.

“Studying with Lama Gyurme has been one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. The way that he teaches is casual and fun, yet it is abundantly clear how seriously he takes his subject matter. Drawing deities is a perfect practice of self-awareness – watching the way that your hand draws the lines is like holding up a mirror to your current inner state. When your mind is still, the lines are smooth and perfect. Every error is a teacher and in every class there is so much more to learn.” –Lara Bache